Keeping a clean home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about health, comfort, and keeping things in good shape for the long haul. But with all the cleaning advice out there, it can be hard to know what actually needs regular attention and what can wait.
Are you washing your sheets often enough? How about that sponge sitting next to your sink? Some household items get cleaned way more often than necessary, while others get neglected (sometimes for way too long).
To help you strike the right balance, we’ve put together a list of 10 common household items and how often they really need to be cleaned. Stick to this guide, and your home will stay fresh,
1. Kitchen Sponges – Daily & Weekly
Your kitchen sponge is one of the dirtiest things in your home—yes, even worse than the toilet seat. It absorbs food particles, grease, and bacteria, making it a prime breeding ground for germs like E. coli and salmonella.
Daily: After each use, rinse your sponge well and squeeze out excess water. To kill bacteria, microwave a damp sponge for one to two minutes or run it through the dishwasher.
Weekly: Replace your sponge every week, especially if it starts to smell or break apart.
Pro Tip: Consider switching to a silicone sponge or dish brush, which dries faster and harbors fewer bacteria.
2. Bedding – Weekly
Your bed might feel like a clean, cozy retreat, but it collects sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, and dust mites. Washing your bedding regularly helps prevent allergies, acne, and musty odors.
Weekly: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria.
Every three to six months: Wash comforters, duvets, and mattress covers. If your comforter is too large for your washing machine, take it to a laundromat or dry cleaner.
Pillows: Wash pillows every three to four months to remove bacteria and dust mites. Most pillows can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, but check the care label first.
Pro Tip: If you have allergies or pets in your bed, wash your sheets even more frequently—every three to four days.
3. Bath Towels – Every Three Uses
Your bath towel might seem clean since you only use it after showering, but it stays damp long enough to attract bacteria and mildew.
Every three uses: Toss your towel in the laundry. If you shower daily, this means washing towels twice a week.
Hand towels: Replace every two to three days, especially in high-traffic bathrooms where multiple people use the same towel.
Washcloths: Wash after every use to prevent bacterial buildup.
Pro Tip: Always hang towels up to dry properly instead of leaving them in a damp pile—this helps prevent mold and musty smells.
4. Toothbrush & Toothbrush Holder – Monthly & Quarterly
Your toothbrush might look clean, but it’s constantly exposed to bacteria—especially if you store it near the toilet.
Toothbrush: Rinse thoroughly after each use and replace it every three months (or sooner if the bristles are frayed).
Toothbrush Holder: This little cup or stand often collects water and toothpaste residue, making it a bacteria hotspot. Wash it with soap and hot water once a month or run it through the dishwasher.
Pro Tip: Store your toothbrush upright in an open-air holder to keep it dry between uses.
5. Refrigerator – Monthly & Seasonally
Your fridge holds all your food, so keeping it clean is essential for preventing bacteria, mold, and funky smells.
Weekly: Wipe down sticky spots and spills.
Monthly: Remove food items and wipe down shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water or a mix of vinegar and water.
Every three to four months: Do a deep clean, tossing expired food and disinfecting all surfaces. Don’t forget the rubber door seals and water dispenser.
Pro Tip: Use a baking soda box inside the fridge to absorb odors and swap it out every three months.
6. Coffee Maker – Weekly & Monthly
Whether you use a drip coffee pot or a single-serve machine, bacteria and mold can build up inside.
Weekly: Wash the carafe, filter basket, and other removable parts in warm, soapy water.
Monthly: Run a cycle of equal parts vinegar and water through the machine to descale and disinfect it. Follow with two to three cycles of plain water to rinse.
Pro Tip: If your coffee tastes a little “off,” your machine might need descaling sooner.
7. Remote Controls & Light Switches – Weekly
These high-touch surfaces collect bacteria, dust, and even food crumbs.
Weekly: Wipe down remotes, light switches, and other frequently touched items with disinfectant wipes.
More often: If someone in your household is sick, clean these surfaces daily.
Pro Tip: Use a cotton swab to clean around remote buttons where grime builds up.
8. Washing Machine – Monthly
Yes, even your washing machine needs washing. Detergent buildup and mold can cause bad smells and affect how well your clothes get cleaned.
Monthly: Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar (or a washing machine cleaner) to keep things fresh.
Front-loaders: Wipe down the rubber seal regularly—it’s a common spot for mold and mildew.
Pro Tip: Leave the washing machine door open after use to let it air out and prevent mildew.
9. Curtains & Blinds – Every Three to Six Months
Curtains and blinds collect dust, pet hair, and even cooking odors, making them a sneaky source of allergens.
Every three to six months:
- Machine wash or dry clean curtains (check the fabric type).
- Dust or vacuum blinds and wipe them with a damp cloth.
Pro Tip: If you have allergies, clean them more frequently to reduce dust buildup.
10. Trash Cans – Weekly & Monthly
Even though you line your trash cans with bags, they still collect spills, bacteria, and odors.
Weekly: Wipe down the exterior and lid with disinfectant wipes.
Monthly: Give the whole can a deep clean with hot, soapy water or a vinegar and baking soda mix.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can to absorb odors.
Stick to a Cleaning Routine
If keeping track of all this feels overwhelming, don’t stress. You don’t have to clean everything all at once. Create a simple cleaning schedule that rotates these tasks throughout the month.
And if you need extra help, Mini Maid is here to take the load off. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular service, we’ll make sure your home stays fresh and spotless.
Want a cleaner, healthier home without all the effort? Contact Mini Maid today!
